anage to get from the folks I live
with. That's my way, and I don't think it's a bad way. I've had it for
thirty odd years that I've been nursing; and I don't think I shall
change it in thirty more."

She flounced out of the room after this declaration, leaving the
countess in a state which Mrs. Gratacap herself would have described as
"quite upset;" but the haughty lady had scarcely time to recover her
equanimity before the strong-minded nurse returned to the attack.

The countess had retreated to her own room; but Mrs. Gratacap broke in
upon her, crying out, "I say, when will that young man be back? He's
gone off without telling me when he'd be at his post again."

Madame de Gramont's usual refuge was in silence, ignoring that she
heard; but here it was not likely to avail, for she saw that the unawed
nurse would probably stand her ground, and repeat her question until she
received an answer. The countess, therefore, forced herself to inquire
in a severe tone,--

"Whom do you mean?"

"Why, the young man, your grandson, to be sure! A very spry young
fellow. I like his looks mightily."

If Madame de Gramont had been an adept in reading countenances she would
have read in the nurse's face, "I cannot say as much for his
grandmother's;" but the proud lady was not skilled in this humble art,
and never even suspected that a person in Mrs. Gratacap's lowly station
would dare to pass judgment upon one in her lofty position. She replied,
with increased austerity,--

"I am not in the habit of hearing the Viscount de Gramont; my grandson,
mentioned in this unceremonious manner; it may be the mode adopted in
this uncivilized country, but it is offensive."

"Law sakes! You don't say so?" answered Mrs. Gratacap, as if the rebuke
darted off from her without hitting. "I didn't suppose you'd go to fancy
I was _snubbing_ him because I called him a young man! What could he be
better? He's not an old one, is he? But I know some folks have a
partiality to being called by their names, and I have no objection in
life to humoring them. Well, then, when will Mr. Gramont be back? I'd
like to know!"

"M. de Gramont did not inform me when he would return;" was the freezing
rejoinder.

"Now, that's a pity! I want somebody in there for a moment, for the poor
dear's so heavy I can't turn him all alone. Aren't you strong enough to
lend a hand? To be sure, at your time of life, one an't apt to be worth
much in the arms. At all events, an'